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Faculty January 10, 2023
Questions Worth Asking: Research-Based Best Practices for Writing Multiple Choice Questions

Why do we still use multiple choice questions, anyways?
When you think of a test, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
A. A written essay question
B. A group project
C. A series of multiple choice questions
D. An oral exam

The multiple choice exam has been around for so long that your middle school science teacher used it, your kids take them in school today, and you probably assigned one on Isidore this term.

Faculty January 05, 2023
Motivate Student Engagement with Shoutouts!
Sometimes a bit of positivity can just really change your whole day. Maybe the new Shoutouts! tool in Isidore can increase student engagement and alleviate some anxiety for our stressed-out students.
Faculty November 09, 2022
For the Love of Lessons #1: Expandable Sections

Lukewarm take: The Lessons tool is the best and most powerful tool in Isidore by far. In this series, I will share my favorite features of the Lessons tool, as well as tips and tricks for making content look lovely. First off for the series: Expandable and Collapsible Sections.

Faculty September 07, 2022
Secret Features of a Text Editor #1: The Link Button

The text editor in Isidore is one of the most powerful authoring tools available to instructors (and students), but few know all its secrets. Possibly not even I, a longtime connoisseur. In this series, we will explore the text editor buttons that I wish everyone knew and used. This post starts with probably my most commonly used button: the Link button.

Faculty June 17, 2022
Zoom Icebreakers that Students Don’t Hate
“Ok class! Let’s have each of you take turns saying your name, your major, and what you hate most about Zoom icebreaker activities. Ready? Go!”
Faculty April 11, 2022
C's Get Degrees . . . Right? Grading With Specifications

Everyone’s heard the phrase, “C’s get degrees,” in their careers, and - let’s be honest - have maybe even thought it to themselves during a particularly difficult stretch in their time as students. Given this uncomfortable truth, it’s worth asking ourselves the question, “do traditional points-based grading system is actually working to develop skilled professionals, life-long learners and well-rounded citizens?” According to Linda Nilson, that answer is a resounding "No."

Faculty March 09, 2022
Accessibility Tip #6: The Essentials of Document Accessibility

Document accessibility can often feel like a mystery, but it does not have to be. Individuals with disabilities should have the same access to information that those without disabilities have. For this reason, it is important to ensure that your documents adhere to standards for accessibility. Not only that, there are benefits to creating an accessible document for all users. In this blog, we will be discussing the essential considerations in document accessibility.

Faculty February 23, 2022
Book Review - Fact vs. Fiction: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of Fake News
The dreaded phrase "fake news" has become a mainstay in political discussions and general social interactions over the past few years. How can you - and your students - find "truth"? In this book review of Fact vs. Fiction: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of Fake News, a few tools and resources are shared to help hone critical thinking skills.
Faculty February 07, 2022
Scaffolding for Instructors Who Don’t Have Time for Scaffolding
Scaffolding is a pedagogical technique that can help unprepared students, but your syllabus is already too demanding on class time. Here’s an approach that can help students catch up while not falling behind on other course goals.